







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| I was just joking, how are you? | |
| They also have three big windows in their room! | |
| I'm not really in the mood to join them. | |
| They weigh everything at the checkout. | |
| Mike, teriyaki is Japanese, we are at a Chinese restaurant. | |
| Okay, what temperature do you want me to set it at? | |
| That would be great! Do you think it's possible? | |
| But I don't know him well. | |
| How is it my fault? | |
| Oh god, it's the second thing I hate doing in the kitchen! | |
| I want to be sober and energetic for tomorrow. | |
| First of all, it's so sad to see them in pain. | |
| I can't believe you still don't get it! | |
| Do you have any area in mind? | |
| My favourite movie is Pulp Fiction. | |
| I don't mind sitting outside as long as I'm not cold. | |
| To me, wasting it is weirder! | |
| These days I'm into 60's, 70's remixes. | |
| Is she here with you? | |
| Oh look at this big boy, he gets bigger everytime I see him! | |